LIMERICK City and County Council has joined forces with Limerick Chamber in a call to support home grown businesses by shopping local and early as the Christmas period approaches.
With Level Five Covid restrictions affecting many shops across the city and county, Mayor Michael Collins has asked the people of Limerick to spend their money online with local businesses.
Many of these businesses have been supported by the establishment of Limerick.ie/Shop initiative launched earlier this year. The free online shopping platform was a response by Limerick City and County Council and Limerick Chamber to help Limerick businesses trade while their doors were closed by connecting consumers with local suppliers for their shopping needs.
“We have an opportunity to do for the Christmas period what was done for the summer by getting behind local businesses and making sure that they finish out this very challenging year with our support and encouragement,” Mayor Collins said.
“As it is not possible to shop instore with so many businesses over the coming weeks, I would impress on the public to support them online and not immediately think of global online marketplaces as a first option.
“Limerick City and County Council made this easier this year with an innovative offering by establishing the Limerick.ie/Shop platform. Over 225 businesses have participated in this programme and we would ask the public to go to the site to explore the brilliant offering these businesses have. I would also like to call on businesses not yet registered on Limerick.ie/Shop to do so, it’s free and you’ll be part of a wider Christmas marketing campaign.”
Chief Executive of Limerick Chamber, Dee Ryan said: “There’s fantastic choice and quality across Limerick and if we all get behind this initiative, we can give local business the Christmas boost that it deserves.
“It’s not alone that we support these businesses but, in doing so, we are supporting employment in Limerick. More than ever, this Christmas period is a time to ‘shop Limerick’,” she said.
Local small businesses are being encouraged to avail of training opportunities over the challenging weeks ahead with Limerick Local Enterprise Office. There are still a number of places available on its ‘How to Manage a Retail Business During Uncertain Times’ course.
This interactive online workshop that enables independent retailers to go back to their businesses and implement a step by step approach towards ensuring their business succeeds and improves their bottom line.
A Trading Online Voucher, which is designed to stimulate a small business to develop its online trading presence is also available through the Limerick LEO with a maximum amount payable of €2,500. It can be used to develop or upgrade an e-commerce website or implement a digital marketing strategy.
“Limerick businesses have made incredible efforts this year to support customers with a wide range of initiatives to support public health. The least we can do in return is support them online during what should be the busiest trading time of the year and hopefully moving to these restrictions will make a difference so we all can look forward to a safe Christmas,” Mayor Collins concluded.
